About Us

Carter, Dougherty & McGuire distinguishes itself from other “boutique” law offices in that it is not only an estate planning firm, it also offers related business and tax planning services. Life and the law are complicated today. Estate planning has become similarly complicated and should be implemented by professionals who have the multi-disciplinary skills necessary to accomplish their client’s increasingly sophisticated demands.

Effective estate planning requires not only excellent knowledge of the applicable laws, but also (i) a thorough understanding of the needs and desires of the client, (ii) the ability to uncover the unique family dynamics of the client, and (iii) the skills to apply the right solutions, as each client always presents different circumstances. All three attorneys with Carter, Dougherty & McGuire are certified specialists with the State Bar of California in either the field of estate planning or taxation. Each has many years of client experience and can draw upon his or her vast personal professional histories to effect the best plan for the client.

Similarly, many clients own businesses and real properties that require an understanding of the (i) estate, income and property tax laws, as well as (ii) the non-tax laws involving corporations, partnership and limited liability companies. In today’s complex business world, Carter, Dougherty & McGuire’s expertise in tax and business planning allow the firm to bring superior added value over other estate planning firms.